Upper-Division Writing Directed Self Placement (UDW-DSP)

At San José State University, all students have to complete an upper-division writing course (100W) in their discipline in order to graduate. The Upper-Division Writing Directed Self Placement (UDW-DSP) is an online exercise designed to help students place in the appropriate upper-division writing course. Upper-division writing course can be challenging and some students may not feel quite ready. To support students' academic success, 100A courses are available to help students prepare for the rigors of 100W and upper division work.

A flowchart showcasing the process of choosing which upper-division writing course to take

What is the Difference Between 100A and 100W?

100A

An extra semester of writing instruction, available to students who need more practice in academic writing before enrolling in 100W. 100A prepares students for 100W through extensive practice in drafting, feedback, and revision.

100W

An advanced, upper-division writing course designed to introduce students to writing in their disciplines. Students learn writing and appropriate contemporary research strategies and methodologies to communicate effectively to both specialized and general audiences.

How Do I Choose?

In order to help you choose which writing course is best for you, students are encouraged to complete a brief online exercise called the Upper-Division Writing Directed Self Placement (UDW-DSP). This exercise will provide more information about the two writing courses you are choosing between, and ask you some questions about your experience with college-level writing. The goal is to inform you of your two choices and help you choose your course appropriately. The process takes about 10 minutes!

What Do You Need?

In order to complete the UDW-DSP, all you need are:

  • An internet connection.
  • 10-15 minutes.
  • A sample college paper that uses sources (i.e., has a Bibliography). This can be from any college, on any subject (in either PDF or Word format). Once you’re ready, click on the link below to complete the exercise and choose your writing course.

Complete the Upper-Division Writing Directed Self Placement Exercise.

Important Notice

  • The UDW-DSP is NOT a test. It is an online exercise, similar to a questionnaire. It is meant to help you, not test you.
  • DSP, or “Directed Self Placement,” means you are placing yourself in the writing course that you feel is most appropriate for you. You know your writing abilities best and so the choice is up to you (not anyone at SJSU).
  • If you still have questions after completing the UDW Directed Self Placement, please contact an Adviser in the Student Success Center for your College.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1. What is the UDW-DSP?

The Upper-Division Writing Directed Self Placement (UDW-DSP) is an online exercise designed to help you place yourself in the upper-division writing course that is appropriate for you. The UDW-DSP is NOT a test. In the exercise, you will learn about the two upper-division writing courses available to you – 100A and 100W – and will answer questions to help you determine which course is right for you. The exercise only takes about 10-15 minutes.

2. Do I have to take the UDW-DSP?

No, the UDW-DSP is only highly recommended to help students identify which upper-division writing course fits best with their writing level. 

3. I’m applying to transfer to SJSU; is the UDW-DSP an admissions requirement? 

No, the UDW-DSP is not an admissions requirement. It is simply a tool to help you identify which upper-division writing course fits best with your writing level. 

4. I’ve started the UDW-DSP, but I’m not sure which 100W course I should select at the end because I’m not sure which 100W course I need for my major; how do I know which 100W course to select? 

A good place to start is the SJSU catalog. Look up the catalog page for your major or the roadmap for your major. Either of these should tell you which 100W course is appropriate. If you can’t find the information in the catalog, run your MyProgress, which should list the approved 100W courses for your major. If you still can’t find the information, an academic advisor in your college or department can tell you which 100W course you need for your major.

That said, if you are under a time-crunch to complete the UDW-DSP because your enrollment date is here or almost here, then you may select a 100W course from the drop-down list (at the end of the exercise) that most closely relates to your major. That way, you can complete the UDW-DSP and enroll in your courses for the next semester. If it turns out that you need a different 100W course than the one you selected in the exercise, that’s OK.  Your course selection in the UDW-DSP does not determine which 100W course you are eligible to enroll in. In other words, you are free to enroll in any 100W course you like, regardless of which course you selected in the UDW-DSP. 

5. I completed the UDW-DSP last year, do I have to do it again?

No, if you decide to participate in the UDW-DSP, you only need to complete the exercise one time. 

6. Where is my UDW-DSP score/results? 

The UDW-DSP is not a test and there is no score or result to receive. It is an exercise designed to help students place themselves in the appropriate writing course (100A or 100W). At the end of the UDW-DSP, you were asked to choose the writing course that you felt was right for you. That is the "result" and the course you enroll in. 

7. I don’t have any research papers to upload in the UDW-DSP. What should I do?

The paper you upload in the UDW-DSP does not have to be a research paper in genre; it can be any paper you wrote at any college that simply uses sources. It can be from any course, on any subject. If you do not have a single paper that meets these criteria, you will need to write a short one to upload in the UDW-DSP. 

8. I’ve decided I want to take a different course than the one I selected at the end of the UDW-DSP. What should I do?

You are free to enroll in any 100W course you like, or 100A, regardless of which course you selected in the UDW-DSP. In other words, your course selection at the end of the UDW-DSP does not determine your enrollment for the upcoming semester.

9. I completed the UDW-DSP and am trying to enroll in a 100W or SJSU Studies, but it says I haven’t met the requisites for the course. What should I do?

This could mean that you still have yet to complete 60 units to put you at Upper-Division Standing. You could submit an Enroll in SJSU Studies and 100W with less than 60 Units Petition if you're eligible. 

Concurrently, contact an academic advisor in your department or college. Chances are, if you’ve completed the UDW-DSP and you are getting a requisite error message, then you have not met one (or more) of the other prerequisites for the course. An academic advisor can help you determine what prerequisite/s you are missing.